All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Tottenham Hotspur are absolutely flying at the moment.

Ange Postecoglou’s side may have slipped up against Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this month, but across all competitions, they have won seven of their last eight games and are currently scoring for fun.

However, while the North Londoners look seriously potent going forward, they could do with another option off the bench, a more physical presence akin to Arsenal’s Kai Havertz.

Fortunately, should Postecoglou want to bring such a profile into his squad down the line, the club already have the perfect youngster ready to come in and fulfill that role, someone other than Dominic Solanke.

Spurs' exciting youngsters

Okay, so before we get to the striker in question, let’s look at one of the other most exciting youngsters in the academy, and it’s not Mikey Moore. The name fans should look out for is 16-year-old midfielder Lucá Williams-Barnett, who made the permanent move up to the under-18s squad in July after making a handful of impressive performances last year, and to say he’s looking good so far would be a significant understatement.

For example, in seven games this season, the Luton-born gem has scored eight goals and provided two assists, meaning he’s averaging 1.42 goal involvements every game, which is frankly ridiculous for someone his age.

Now, it’s probably too soon to see him make it into the first team this year, but given Moore’s rapid rise up the ranks and Williams-Barnett’s sensational form in the academy, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him given a chance next season.

That said, the midfield maestro isn’t the only exciting youngster who could see some more senior minutes in the near future, as the promising Will Lankshear could develop into Postecoglou’s Havertz.

Why Lankshear could be Spurs' own Havertz

Okay, so before the pitchforks come out, we are sure that Lankshear has the potential to develop his own style under the tutelage of Postecoglou, but should the Australian want a forward in the mould of Havertz, then the 19-year-old could also provide that.

For example, while the 6 foot 2 Welwyn Garden City-born poacher is a bit shorter than the 6 foot 4 Arsenal ace, he is slightly taller than the 6 foot 1 Solanke and could, therefore, become something of a target man to bounce balls off of down the line.

Moreover, the Englishman has already shown at the youth level that he can provide a serious physical presence in attack, with Spurs expert Jon Wenham describing him as “an absolute unit for his age,” suggesting he already knows how to use his stature to his advantage.

Lastly, while the Lilywhites’ faithful might not want to admit it, the former Chelsea ace has become a reliable goalscorer for the Gunners since moving up top, and based on Lankshear’s youth record, he could be as well.

For example, in his 34 games for the U21 side, the promising striker has scored 26 goals and provided three assists, which equates to an average of a goal involvement every 1.17 games.

Appearances

5

34

2

Goals

4

26

1

Assists

2

3

0

Goal Involvements per Match

1.2

0.85

0.50

Ultimately, Havertz is an interesting player to compare Lankshear to and potentially someone to measure him against in the future, but the youngster looks talented enough to develop in various ways in the coming years, and fans should be excited about seeing him do so.

Outshone by Moore: Ange must axe 5/10 Spurs dud who lost the ball 11 times

Spurs have a serious talent on their hands and a player whose future may well be elsewhere.

2 ByJack Salveson Holmes Oct 25, 2024

‘Checks notes’. No further injuries. Arne Slot’s a happy man. Scotland’s Andy Robertson, Conor Bradley of Northern Ireland and a whole host of South American Reds are still to play before checking back in on Merseyside, but Liverpool are in good nick.

The Reds have made a resounding start to life under Slot, who has smashed into the Premier League with a concussive boom. Anfield sits atop the pile after seven matches, in pole position and holding an ever-so slender advantage over Manchester City and Arsenal.

First place matters little at this stage, but what is important is the seamless integration of a new system. Jurgen Klopp’s city-shattering decision to step down from his managerial position at the club looked like a portent of dark days ahead, but Liverpool’s new layer of resilience and sheen of control suggests that this iteration is capable of great things – perhaps things to rival those of Slot’s predecessor.

Some players look levels above their calibre from last season, with Ryan Gravenberch the pick of the bunch. The Dutchman hasn’t put in a poor performance all season – at least, he hadn’t until Netherlands were defeated by Germany in the Nations League on Monday evening.

He wasn’t the only one to founder, however; indeed, Cody Gakpo was as blunt as an overused pencil on the night, and Slot may well be concerned.

Cody Gakpo's performance vs Germany

Slot will have noted all of his players’ efforts for their country over the past several days, but especially that of his Netherlands coterie, given that he himself hails from the bustling European nation.

It hasn’t been the best of weeks. On Friday evening, Holland could only draw against Dominik Szoboszlai’s Hungary, with Gakpo actually assisting Denzel Dumfries’ parity-restoring strike after Virgil van Dijk was sent off following a sudden burst of bookings.

Gakpo did alright in that one, but he certainly didn’t add to that display against Germany, who only won by a narrow margin as debutant Jamie Leweling decided the affair after thumping home from a poorly-cleared corner. He’d bagged earlier on after some dismal Van Dijk-less defending, but Ronald Koeman’s side earned a reprieve following the flash of VAR intervention.

The Dutch’s attacking fizz was negated against an organised German backline. Gakpo foundered. There was no crackle, spark, dart, surge. Slick play, sideward, sideward. There. An opening. Slip through the lines, onto Gakpo, let him loose, breezing forward. Goal.

That didn’t happen, with Dutch media even branding the Liverpool phenom with a 4.5/10 match score, raising the bleak question that this might have been the 25-year-old’s lowest showing in orange, wasteful and ineffective. The match statistics highlight as much, with only six passes made – equating to just one every 11 minutes – and possession lost ten times without even creating a key pass or taking a single shot.

Gakpo now has plenty of time to rest ahead of Liverpool duties in the Premier League this coming weekend, but his head will be hung low and Slot will be puzzling over whether he should reprise his role on the left flank.

Why Gakpo shouldn't start vs Chelsea

Liverpool returns to action in the Premier League on Sunday. They welcome the keen-edged attacking Chelsea squad as Anfield looks to claim another three points and maintain its place at the top of the division. One week later, the Merseysiders will travel to Arsenal.

Gakpo’s performances this season have been impressive and he’ll hope to make an impact. He’s chalked up two goals and assists apiece this season, playing ten times but only handed three roles from the outset, with The Athletic’s James Pearce even praising the dynamo for being “lethal in the final third”.

One bad game hardly speaks for Gakpo’s season. He’s worked wonders from not that much action within Slot’s side and offers dynamic and singular qualities, playing regularly on the left wing too – which is clearly his best, most productive position.

Left winger

182

77

58

0.74

Centre-forward

68

26

8

0.50

Right winger

27

2

4

0.22

Central midfield

7

1

0

0.14

Attacking midfield

3

1

0

0.33

As per FBref, the £120k-per-week talent ranks among the top 7% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 2% for shot-creating actions, the top 9% for passes attempted, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 13% for progressive carries, the top 3% for successful take-ons and the top 2% for tackles and interceptions.

He’s got a myriad of properties that make him a custom-made fit for Slot-ball, and he’s proving as such so far. However, Gakpo, praised as a “superstar” by journalist Carl Anka in the past, must not be handed a starting berth for this weekend’s fixture; having failed to inspire, he’s not deserving of a place ahead of the fleet-footed Luis Diaz.

The caveat of all this is of course that Diaz will likely start for his nation later this evening before jetting across half the planet and digging straight into Liverpool’s pre-match preparations.

Chelsea may well present Slot’s men with their sternest test of the season, and if any rust and lassitude is on show, the hosts might find themselves in another sticky position.

Lest we forget, while Liverpool have won nine of their ten matches across all competitions this term, the sole defeat arrived at their own door, against Nottingham Forest directly after the September international pause. It’s a lingering nemesis of Liverpool’s, this pesky international disruption.

That said, Diaz is tireless and always ready to take his place on the left flank, and given the form that he’s started the term in, with five goals and an assist from seven Premier League fixtures, he should be the one to partner Mohamed Salah on the attacking flanks.

Gakpo has proven himself despite playing a more marginal role than he would have hoped for thus far. That said, he flattered to deceive on the left wing for Oranje and must now be placed on the bench against Chelsea.

Who knows, maybe it’ll spur him on to make a positive impact off the bench, as he has done on several occasions for Liverpool over the past few months.

Sold for £40m: Liverpool hit gold with star who's now worth millions less

This sale has had an impactful knock-on effect at Liverpool.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 15, 2024

Arsenal’s recruitment under boss Mikel Arteta has been exemplary in recent times, with the club signing players who have made a huge impact on the first-team squad.

As demonstrated already this season, Riccardo Calafiori is the latest in a long list of additions who have impressed at the Emirates, nailing down the starting left-back role and producing some memorable moments – including his wonder strike against Manchester City.

Jurrien Timber is a player who has been plagued with injuries since his transfer to North London, but this season he’s been able to finally showcase his quality in the Premier League.

The Dutchman has started seven games in a row for the Gunners, even forcing Ben White out of the squad in recent weeks – a sign of how impressive he has been since his move from Ajax last summer.

The aforementioned pair are just two examples of the club’s excellent work behind the scenes, with multiple other players proving to be money well spent so far this season.

Arsenal's key performers this season

Brazilian centre-back Gabriel has continued where he left off last season for Arsenal, starting defensively whilst also making a huge impact in the opposition’s penalty area.

He’s been part of a backline that has already kept five clean sheets this season, helping the Gunners get off to an excellent start in the Premier League alongside the Champions League.

The 26-year-old has already scored twice this season, with both his efforts coming in crucial meetings with rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

As for Leandro Trossard, he’s enjoyed some successful moments this campaign, but also one to forget, receiving two yellow cards and subsequently being sent off against Pep Guardiola’s side – with his second caution coming after kicking the ball away just weeks after Declan Rice committed the same offence.

However, the Belgian has registered two goals and an assist in all competitions so far this season, providing a reliable option at the top end of the pitch for Arteta’s side.

Both players will be integral to the Gunners’ attempts to secure a first league title in over 20 years this season, but they both currently earn less than one player who hasn’t featured for the club in nearly two years after arriving under Unai Emery.

Kieran Tierney's total cost to Arsenal

Left-back Kieran Tierney arrived in North London with high expectations after his £25m transfer from Scottish side Celtic back in the summer of 2019, but unfortunately for both parties, the move hasn’t gone as they would’ve anticipated.

The 27-year-old – who Ashley Cole dubbed a “warrior” – was a consistent first-team performer upon his move in 2019/20, but since has seen his game time decrease with injuries plaguing the defender in recent times.

Up until August 2023, Tierney had made 124 appearances for Arteta’s side, but in a bid to regain his fitness, he was sent on loan to Spanish side Real Sociedad last season, featuring 20 times in LaLiga.

He’s yet to feature upon his return to the Emirates, with yet another injury preventing him from making any appearances, with the defender still pocketing a hefty wage in the process.

2019/20

24

1

4

2020/21

38

2

4

2021/22

28

1

3

2022/23

36

1

2

2023/24

1

0

0

Total:

124

5

13

The former Celtic star is on a reported £110k-per-week in North London – a figure that is higher than both Gabriel and Trossard, who currently earn £100k and £90k-per-week respectively.

When combining Tierney’s total earnings from his time at Arsenal with his £25m transfer fee, he’s cost the club around £46m, which works out at around £370k per appearance since his move five years ago.

Given his current injury record and lack of impact, Arteta must look to offload the defender at the next available opportunity with his funds massively burning a hole in the club’s wage bill.

The funds generated could be used to hand his side with the best possible chance of finally ending their two decade wait for a Premier League triumph.

Weekly wages: Arsenal FC 2025/26 highest-paid players

Who is top of the Arsenal payroll?

ByCharlie Smith Sep 23, 2025

Manchester United’s 2024/25 season has been nothing short of a disaster so far. The Red Devils are struggling to pick up any points in the Premier League, and currently sit 13th in the table. They have seven points from six games so far, having won two, drawn one and lost three, with a goal difference of minus three.

In the Europa League, Erik ten Hag’s side dropped points in their first game, a 1-1 draw at home to Dutch side FC Twente. Injuries have also begun to take a toll, with the Red Devils missing Harry Maguire from their game against Tottenham last Sunday.

Kobbie Mainoo was also substituted in the first half with injury. Although he is thought to be in the squad, he might only start on the bench tonight’s game against Porto to get some rest and ensure it is not a long-term issue.

The player who could replace Mainoo

As pressure mounts on Ten Hag, Thursday night’s clash away to Portuguese giants Porto is one of great importance. Defeat would no doubt see confidence in the Dutchman become even more depleted. It is imperative he gets the selection right, especially in midfield should he decide to rest young starlet Mainoo.

The obvious option is Mason Mount. However, he is also a doubt for the game in Portugal. The England international, who has already had such bad luck with injuries during his time at Old Trafford so far, picked up a head injury against Spurs and could now be unavailable against Porto.

Ten Hag could also select Christian Eriksen from the start, as he has done several times in the past few games. However, the Dane might well need a longer period out of the starting lineup to ensure he can maintain full fitness, having had a few injury issues of his own during his time at Old Trafford.

Bruno Fernandes is almost guaranteed to start the game. United’s number eight has had a tough start to the 2024/25 campaign, registering just one assist in the Premier League so far, for Matthijs de Ligt’s first goal for the club. However, he is United’s best creator and club captain, and not starting him in a must-win game seems naive from Ten Hag.

It certainly seems like Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are competing for the same spot, although the Brazilian has been short of minutes recently, so the Dutch manager might decide to start him against a club he was once on loan at.

There is one other option for a Mainoo replacement in the centre of the park, which could see Ugarte benched instead of starting the Uruguayan alongside the similar profile of Casemiro. That player is Toby Collyer.

Why Collyer could start against Porto

It has been a breakthrough year for United’s “next youth project”, as football analyst H described Collyer. He broke into Ten Hag’s side during pre-season and has since made three first-team appearances.

He made his debut in the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City, featuring for 31 minutes, and also made a 45-minute cameo in United’s 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool. He started their 7-0 Carabao Cup thrashing of Barnsley, slotting in at left-back and putting in an impressive shift.

Stat

vs. Man City

vs. Liverpool

vs. Barnsley

Mins played

31

45

90

Touches

17

33

61

Pass accuracy

93%

79%

88%

Passes completed

13/14

15/19

35/40

Tackles won

3/3

4/4

4/5

Duels won

3/3

7/7

8/15

Interceptions

0

0

4

Against United’s Mancunian rivals at Wembley, the 20-year-old replaced Mainoo, a move which is something of a like-for-like change. As the above stats show, the midfielder does the basics well, retaining possession, and having the ability to break the lines.

Off the ball, he is a tenacious midfielder and uses his 5 foot 9 frame to win the ball back from tight spaces, which he often does with a good degree of success.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

It would be a bold choice from Ten Hag, starting Collyer in such a crucial game. If he is looking for a player of a similar profile to Mainoo, the former Brighton midfielder could be a superb option ahead of someone like Ugarte, who does not possess the same quality on the ball.

Man Utd have already sold Casemiro heir who's worth 168x less than Ugarte

The Red Devils could look to bring one former asset back to the club in the near future…

1 ByRobbie Walls Oct 2, 2024

Everton may miss out on striker target El Bilal Toure due to tight finances according to Paul Brown.

The club had an offer rejected by Almeria, with the Spanish side wanting the player's release clause met.

Will Everton sign El Bilal Toure?

The Toffees are very interested in signing the Mali international, but face competition from top European sides.

According to reports from Spain, Everton's opening bid was rejected by the Andalusian club, with the side holding out for the players €40m (£34.3m) release clause. The Merseyside clubs opening bid was in the region of €30m to €35m (£25.7m to £30m), however, according to The Daily Mail, that deal was structured as a loan with an obligation to buy rather than an outright sale.

It remains to be seen whether the club will push forward with another bid, with reports recently surfacing that the club are interested in Leeds United forward Wilfred Gnonto, and had seen a £15m bid rejected for the young Italian, with Leeds not wanting to sell the forward whose contract doesn't contain a relegation release clause. However, should the Toffees manage to secure a deal for the youngster who was a bright spark in a disappointing Leeds team, any potential move for Toure could be impossible due to budget restrictions.

Everton also face competition from Italian side Atalanta for the Mali international, with a report stating that the club had already submitted a €25m (£21.5m) offer for the 21-year-old who has only spent one season with Almeria. A factor that could swing the direction of this deal is the ongoing talks between the Bergamo side and Manchester United for current striker Rasmus Hojlund. Should the Danish forward join the Red Devils this summer, that could provide the funds Atlanta need to activate Toure's release clause, which Everton may not be able to match.

Speaking to FootballFanCast, journalist Brown suggested that there may not be much "wiggle room" for Everton in terms of submitting an improved offer due to financial constraints, and that should a deal be completed, it would have to be done for below the players release fee.

What did Paul Brown say about El Bilal Toure to Everton?

When asked about the current situation between all parties, Paul Brown stated: "Yeah, I think Toure's club know what Everton are willing to pay for him and how they're willing to pay for it. I'm not sure if there's much wiggle room really because of Everton's finances to go back in with a much better offer, so I don't think it's one that's going to get done anytime soon because I don't think his club are entirely happy with the bid that Everton made. Also, he's he's got a release clause that Everton don't intend to trigger. So it would have to be a deal that's done below that price."

Would El Bilal Toure be a good signing for Everton?

Toure could be the solution to a real problem that is surfacing at Everton.

The club are currently in the midst of a striker crisis. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has spent the last two campaigns hampered by injuries, with the forward missing 30 games due to three separate injuries across the last two seasons. When he has played, he has struggled to reach the heights he managed under the management of Carlo Ancelotti, scoring only seven goals across 36 games in all competitions since the beginning of the 2021/22 season.

Neal Maupay's move from Brighton has been a disappointing one, with £15m striker managing just one league goal last season. The forward could reportedly depart Goodison Park after one campaign, with Italian side Salernitana hoping to reignite their interest in the 26-year-old. Young Ellis Simms, who scored a memorable last-minute equaliser for the Blues last season at Stamford Bridge has already departed, joining Championship side Coventry City in a deal worth potentially £8m.

Toure meanwhile enjoyed a breakout campaign in La Liga last season, managing seven goals and two assists in just 21 matches. He is also proven on the international level despite his young age, managing five goals in 15 games for Mali. Last summer, Everton were interested in the forward when he was still at Reims, with him being labeled as a "major talent" a year ago, and a strong opening campaign in Spain has only strengthened that belief.

Tottenham Hotspur have certainly started their new reign under Ange Postecoglou with a bang, having already cemented five permanent additions this summer already.

The Australian coach will be far from finished too, and there feels like a renewed sense of belief has flooded over this part of north London, which seemed dead and buried as last season slumped to its miserable conclusion.

Many will hope that the former Celtic boss can emulate and even elevate beyond the levels set by Mauricio Pochettino, and create a new longstanding and sustainable dynasty for years to come.

However, to do that he will need to make more signings than he already has done. He could even take a few notes from the way in which the Argentine began his tenure at White Hart Lane, especially with regard to bolstering his backline.

Last season Spurs shipped 63 goals in the Premier League, making them the sixth-worst defence in the division.

They are crying out for a truly dominant centre-back to solve these frailties, and in Aymeric Laporte, they could have the answer to these prayers.

With strong links persisting throughout this window already, and a startlingly low reported price tag of €30m (£26m), Manchester City might be set to do Spurs the ultimate favour to truly get things underway for Postecoglou.

Is Aymeric Laporte a good player?

Having moved to the Etihad in 2018, the Spain international has largely been a mainstay for Pep Guardiola throughout his tenure. However, just last season saw his influence wane somewhat, as the system shifted and left him with just 11 starts in the league.

That is not to suggest that his quality has declined at all though, as the 2021/22 season saw him enjoy some of his best football since joining the Premier League.

During that campaign, the 29-year-old maintained a 7.12 average rating in the league, which was buoyed by his 95% pass accuracy, one tackle and 1.8 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Journalist Duncan Castles even lauded him as "one of Manchester City’s few aerially powerful players" back in 2019 too, with fellow writer Bill DiFilippo also branding him a "warrior".

Boasting incredible technical proficiency to pair well with his 6 foot 2 frame, Laporte has all the qualities needed to perhaps emulate the success Jan Vertonghen enjoyed across his eight-year spell in north London.

Joining in 2012, it felt like his career only really kickstarted once Pochettino arrived. However, the former Ajax man – who was once hailed as "dominant" by journalist Henry Winter – would then become one of the division's most outstanding central defenders, silencing strikers and creating from deep.

As a left-footed titan who also stood at 6 foot 2, he would muster 315 appearances for the Lilywhites, the pinnacle of which likely came during the 2016/17 year. There he would record a 7.31 average match rating, with his 85% pass accuracy, 1.3 tackles and seven clearances per game reaffirming his dominance, via Sofascore.

Laporte may be far older than the Belgian was when he first joined, but he could still have that same calming presence with which a solid defensive foundation could be built.

Not to mention his insane winning experience – having claimed the treble last term – which would hopefully aid Postecoglou's mission to shift the mentality and finally bring some long-lasting success to a club that has been starved of it in recent years.

Defensively, Leeds United were simply not good enough last season, shipping 78 in total – the most in the Premier League – as they suffered relegation to the Championship in just their third season back in the top flight.

In a frantic campaign, the Yorkshire club went through three managers, starting with Jesse Marsch, before handing Javi Gracia the task of keeping them up, and eventually having one more desperate throw of the dice, hiring Sam Allardyce. None of the three managers could address their defensive issues, however.

Now, it is up to new man Daniel Farke to get them back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. And to do that, he may need to replicate the leadership of the likes of Liam Cooper by securing summer target Nat Phillips – something that transfer insider Dean Jones believes the Liverpool defender is capable of doing.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Jones said: “I mean, Liam Cooper was never someone you would typically get most excited about seeing on the ball or anything like that, but when you see the team sheet, he was a player as a Leeds fan that you’d always want to be on there on their rise to the Premier League.

"And they need to find that again, and maybe Nat Phillips has the determination and the focus and the talent to replicate that. They certainly have got to find figures like that if they’re going to bounce back.”

How does Nat Phillips compare to Liam Cooper?

When compared, Phillips and Cooper have been incredibly similar players throughout their respective Premier League careers.

As per FBref, the Liverpool man, who has a "colossal" frame, just about edges the Scot when on the ball, with a better pass completion rate and more progressive passes per 90 – something that could prove crucial in the Championship when Leeds will likely enjoy more possession than in the Premier League.

Off the ball, Cooper makes more blocks, wins more tackles, and makes more interceptions than Phillips, who, to his credit, is still within touching distance of all three statistics.

It must be said, too, that Phillips has played in a Liverpool side which holds the majority of possession, reducing the need to block, tackle, and intercept compared to that of Cooper's in a Leeds side who were pinned back in their own half in the Premier League.

Praising his defender back in 2020, Klopp said: "He's a brilliant guy, smart guy, intelligent, everything. He's not easy on the eye, he's not Messi but who cares?'

"In the air, he's a monster! He was incredible.

"For the first game, I think everyone can imagine how nervy that must be after a long wait. It's a crazy story, three years ago he was on his way to America to college.

"Twelve Championship teams wanted him and to me it was clear he was going, and I was fine with that – and it didn't work out for whatever reason, and it's great! Tonight he was spot on, helped the team incredibly."

Currently valued at £10m by Liverpool, according to The Athletic, it's the 26-year-old's experience in such a possession-heavy side that could be crucial for Farke.

He has played at the very top, winning at the San Siro in the Champions League against AC Milan. Phillips can not only replicate Cooper's ability, he can exceed it.

Liverpool are still interested in completing the signing of Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella this summer, according to a fresh transfer update.

Is Barella linked with Liverpool?

The 26-year-old enjoyed a superb 2022/23 season for Inter, arguably standing out as their most influential player at times, and helping them go all the way to the Champions League final, which they eventually lost narrowly to Manchester City.

Barella cemented his reputation as one of the best players in Serie A with a tally of six goals and assists apiece in the division, proving to be a creative force in the middle of the park.

Given the £154,000-a-week midfielder's reputation, it is no surprise to see him being linked with a move away from his current club this summer, and Liverpool appear to be one of the front-runners to acquire his signature.

The Reds are continuing to search for midfield reinforcements to join Alexis Mac Allister in arriving at Anfield, and rumours of them snapping up Barella are refusing to go away even despite the likely addition of Dominik Szoboszlai.

What's the latest on Barella to Liverpool?

According to journalist Rudy Galetti on Twitter, Barella is also still a genuine target for Liverpool before the 2023/24 Premier League season gets underway:

"Barella remains a target for Liverpool to strengthen the midfield. LFC are internally evaluating if made a concrete move (bid!) for Nicolo in the next days. Inter – to date – consider the player non-transferable."

This is another encouraging update when it comes to Liverpool's pursuit of Barella, with the Italy Euro 2020 winner and one-time Serie A champion someone who could be a wonderful signing for the Merseysiders.

He ticks so many different boxes when it comes to what Jurgen Klopp is after this summer, possessing more end product than any current Reds midfielders, as 12 goal contributions in the league last season prove.

Barella is so much more than just a creative force, however, possessing lots of intelligence on and off the ball, not to mention a great work ethic – one that saw him average 1.4 tackles per game in Serie A last term.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has described the Inter star as a "fantastic" player and the idea of him slotting into the Reds' midfield alongside Mac Allister and possibly Szoboszlai is mouthwatering, suddenly giving them the legs and creativity that was so sorely lacking for vast chunks of last season.

David de Gea wants to stay at Manchester United but his future looks far from certain, journalist David Ornstein has claimed.

What's the latest on David De Gea?

The Spaniard's £375k-per-week contract is set to expire this summer, but whilst an extension previously looked to be on the cards, there is currently no resolution and he could depart for free.

The 32-year-old has come in for criticism following some glaring errors this season, and Erik ten Hag could look to move on from United's longest serving player.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Ornstein outlined that whilst De Gea is still keen to extend his deal and remain at Old Trafford, he could depart if United choose to replace him.

"It's a huge decision for Manchester United. I think De Gea wants to stay, he intends to report back after the summer break, at which point he'll be out of contract as things stand," he stated.

"Manchester United are not seeing the 30th June as a hard deadline, so they presumably think they could still come to an agreement with him. There were reports recently that the agreement was there, but it doesn't seem that it's there in full and so it presents Manchester United with a massive decision.

"Do they renew him on reduced wages, but still really significant, when he's not the sort of player that Ten Hag is looking for from his goalkeeper, or do they go for somebody else and let him go as a free agent and go for Andre Onana for example, he has been linked or one of a number of keepers that will be gettable.

"So this is a pretty seismic moment for Manchester United and De Gea, and it's gone this far, it looks like he may well leave."

Should Man United keep De Gea?

Although he previously operated at a world-class level for United over the years, it is clear that Ten Hag needs to upgrade on his number one goalkeeper.

De Gea's poor ability on the ball and in the air, which sees him ranked in the bottom 10% of European keepers for both goal kicks and crosses claimed via FBref, fails to help United in possession.

Ten Hag's style, which saw Andre Onana play the ball out from the back at Ajax, may require a more modern keeper than De Gea, and given that the former Spain international could depart for free and make space on United's wage bill, now seems to be the ideal time to move on and find a replacement.

Fans online have been left stunned after Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford pulled off a brilliant bit of skill for England in their most recent match.

What was the score in England v Malta?

On Friday night, the Three Lions travelled away from home to Malta looking to maintain their spot at the top of their Euro 2024 qualifying group.

And Gareth Southgate’s men we able to make it three wins from three as they cruised to a 4-0 victory thanks to a midfield masterclass from new No 10 Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Indeed, the Liverpool defender played a beautiful through-ball to open up the defence for England’s opener from an own goal before rifling in a fine effort to make it 2-0. Harry Kane won and scored a penalty to make it 3-0 before half-time, while Callum Wilson also scored from the spot later on in the match.

Rashford didn’t start the game, but did come on for Jordan Henderson on the hour mark and was able to make a positive contribution with one fine moment in particular.

Indeed, as shared in this footage on Twitter, he picked the ball up on the left flank and did a couple of sharp stepovers before leaving his man for dead with an elastico.

After seeing the replay of the 25-year-old, it’s safe to say a number of fans were left rather impressed and they soon flocked to social media to express their thoughts.

Here are some of the best Twitter reactions…

Supporters were seriously impressed.